Preparation and characterization of rice bran protein-stabilized emulsion by using ultrasound homogenization

Background and objectives The ultrasound homogenization, an emerging technology with cost-effectiveness, is widely used in food industry. Rice bran protein is a high-quality protein with hypoallergenic and attracts a growing interesting in exploring its application. In this study, ultrasound homogenization was used to produce rice bran protein-stabilized emulsions and the effects of ultrasound power and ultrasound time on characterizations of emulsion were then investigated. Findings Results indicated that the emulsions prepared by ultrasound homogenization at 20% power for 20 min had a higher interfacial protein concentration and a smaller droplet size, leading to an increase in stability against creaming. Subsequently, the effects of environmental conditions on emulsion stability were explored, and results demonstrated that emulsion exhibited excellent tolerance for high concentration of NaCl (500 mM) and high temperature (90 degrees C). However, emulsion stability was destroyed under acid conditions. Conclusions The ultrasound homogenization technique was an effective method to prepare rice bran protein-stabilized emulsion, and the emulsions prepared by ultrasound homogenization at 20% power for 20 min possessed good stability against creaming. Significance and novelty Rice bran protein isolate showed good emulsifying properties. Ultrasound homogenization could produce an emulsion with good stability and tolerance for high concentration of NaCl and high temperature.